Education
Celebrating 80 Years of Secondary Education in the Virgin Islands
Alfred Christopher and Jennie N. Wheatley’s Remarkable Contributions Remembered
The Minister for Education, Youth Affairs & Sports, Honourable Sharie B. de Castro, paid tribute to the 80th anniversary of secondary education in the Virgin Islands while addressing the House of Assembly on October 31st, 2023.
“This year we commemorate the 80th anniversary of secondary education in the Virgin Islands, a milestone that reflects the dedication and vision of stalwart educators and the unwavering commitment of our community,” Honourable de Castro stated. “The history of secondary education in our territory is a testament to the enduring spirit of those who championed the cause of knowledge and opportunity.”
The Education Minister highlighted the pivotal role played by Dr. Norwell Harrigan and Mr. Olva Flax, who laid the foundation for extending education beyond standard seven in 1938. Their vision culminated in the establishment of a secondary school in 1943, offering a curriculum that encompassed a wide range of subjects.
The Minister also acknowledged the instrumental role of Dr. Thomas Dixon Green as the Supervisor of Education and Headmaster during the critical early years of secondary education in the Virgin Islands.
Honourable DeCastro discussed the challenges that the institution faced in its early years, with its very existence under threat in 1947. It was the dedication of community activists that ensured its survival, and the moment of stability arrived with the students’ success at the Cambridge Examinations, prompting the renaming of the institution to the Virgin Islands Secondary School.
Secondary education in the Virgin Islands has had a profound impact on the development of the territory, Honourable de Castro emphasised. “The fact that students from distant communities were willing to walk the extra mile to access this education demonstrates that as a community, we have long recognised the value of a good education.”
As the Minister marked this remarkable milestone, she paid homage to the visionaries, educators, and activists who have played pivotal roles in shaping the educational landscape over the past eight decades. The legacy of secondary education in the Virgin Islands is one of resilience, determination, and the relentless pursuit of knowledge, lighting the way for future generations.
Honourable de Castro also took the opportunity to honour two stalwart educators who recently passed away. Alfred Christopher, one of the first students of the Senior School in 1943, made significant contributions to extending secondary education to Anegada and the growth of the school in 1970. Jennie N. Wheatley (MBE), a beacon of knowledge and a culture-bearer, devoted over twenty-five years of her life to secondary education and served as Assistant Principal for Academic Affairs at the British Virgin Islands High School. Her leadership in developing the school library and other transformational initiatives has left an indelible mark on the institution and the entire territory.
The Minister celebrated all valiant secondary educators in the territory, emphasising their dedication and sacrifices over the years, which have collectively contributed to the development of a great institution and the future of the Virgin Islands.
Honourable de Castro urged everyone to celebrate this milestone with gratitude for those who have paved the way for students’ success and a brighter future for the Virgin Islands. “The journey of secondary education in our territory, spanning 80 years, is a testament of our collective spirit and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge and excellence as we commit to moving Virgin Islands Education: Full S.T.E.A.M. Ahead.”
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The Government of the Virgin Islands has signed agreements to begin the design phase for student dormitories at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College, a project aimed at expanding access to higher education for students across the territory.
The Memorandum of Understanding and Deed of Contribution, signed on Tuesday, April 14, between the Ministry of Education, Youth Affairs and Sports, H. Lavity Stoutt Community College and the Recovery and Development Agency, mark the start of work toward developing on-campus housing at the Paraquita Bay campus.
Officials said the dormitories are expected to address longstanding challenges faced by students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke and Virgin Gorda, who often encounter higher costs and logistical difficulties due to travel and accommodation limitations.
“For many years, students from Anegada, Jost Van Dyke, and Virgin Gorda have faced additional hurdles simply because of geography,” Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said. “With the construction of these dormitories, we will remove one of the most persistent barriers to higher education for our own people.”
The project is intended to make it easier for students throughout the Virgin Islands to pursue tertiary and post-secondary education locally, reducing the need to relocate or manage extended commutes.
Officials said the development has long been part of the college’s master plan and represents a step toward strengthening the territory’s education system.
The dormitories are also expected to accommodate students from outside the territory, supporting broader efforts to expand educational opportunities and diversify the economy.
The Recovery and Development Agency is overseeing the project, with the design phase to be followed by construction.
Zac Richards and Zendée Menal of Cedar International School and Daundre Rhodes of Bregado Flax Educational Centre were recognized by Seven Seas Water Group with the Prize for Water Science at the 2026 National Science Fair closing ceremony on March 20.
The award, presented in observance of World Water Day, highlights student research addressing water-related challenges under the theme “Innovate with Purpose, Create with Care, Solve for Tomorrow.”
Richards and Menal won the secondary division for their project, “Comparative Analysis of Water Quality in the BVI,” which examined physical and chemical parameters at three coastal locations. The study provides baseline data that can inform efforts to develop a national marine water quality framework, with implications for public health and marine ecosystems.
Rhodes received the primary division award for “Bubble Tubing: A Natural Solution to Sargassum in the Virgin Islands.” The project proposed a method to repel sargassum from desalination intake areas, aiming to reduce the effects of decomposition on water taste and odor.
On March 27, Richards and Menal visited the Paraquita Bay Water Plant, where they received their awards and toured desalination operations. Kevon Smith, the plant manager and a former National Science Fair winner, guided the students through processes including cartridge filtration, membrane technology and reverse osmosis.
Noni M. Georges, community relations advisor at Seven Seas Water BVI, said the students’ work demonstrated both scientific rigor and engagement with local challenges. “Seven Seas Water BVI is honored to celebrate and support their achievements,” she said.
Smith said the projects reflected ideas relevant to the territory’s water management. “These are not just projects — they are the kinds of ideas that can shape how we manage and protect our water resources,” he said.
Seven Seas Water Group also acknowledged the Ministry of Education, Science Fair Coordinator Renee Caines, participating students, teachers, schools and parents for organizing the event.
Roman Nibbs Alberto, 17, a 12th grade student at Elmore Stoutt High School, has been selected as Premier for a Week, the Office of the Premier announced.
Mr. Nibbs Alberto will be sworn in by Governor Daniel Pruce on April 7 and will serve in the role for one week, during which he is expected to carry out official duties and work alongside Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley.
In remarks following his selection, Mr. Nibbs Alberto said, “I’m thankful that I won the election. I want to thank the organisers of this free and fair election. I want to thank my worthy competitors and I want to thank everybody that voted and campaigned for me.”
The Office of the Premier said the program provides participants with the opportunity to engage in leadership and governance activities.
Premier Hon. Dr. Natalio D. Wheatley said he looks forward to working with the incoming Premier and intends to extend his congratulations.
The Office of the Premier also acknowledged the other participants in the program, including Niaeika Aymer, Trishelle Phillips, Rudell Stoute and Zhane Walters.
Final results showed Mr. Nibbs Alberto receiving 905 points, followed by Ms. Aymer with 804 points, Ms. Phillips with 605 points, Mr. Stoute with 551 points and Ms. Walters with 611 points.
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